Creating Policies Around Offering reclaimed wood and recycled building materials in Operations

♻️ Old materials, new impact.

Reclaimed wood and recycled building materials are more than eco-friendly choices—they’re high-demand, character-rich, and increasingly specified in sustainable construction projects. But to deliver real results, you need clear policies that ensure consistent sourcing, handling, and sales.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to create operational policies that support reclaimed and recycled products—and how your ERP system can enforce standards, track origin, and support transparency.

🪵 Why This Matters Now

Architects are specifying reclaimed materials for aesthetics + ESG

LEED credits available under Materials & Resources (reused materials)

Customers are asking for origin tracking and proof of sustainability

Reclaimed materials often have limited availability, requiring tight inventory control

📋 What Your Policy Should Cover

✅ 1. Sourcing & Supplier Guidelines

Require documentation of material origin (e.g., barnwood, demo sites)

Only work with vendors who can provide chain-of-custody or FSC Recycled certifications

ERP Tip: Flag certified vendors and store proof of origin docs at the SKU level.

✅ 2. SKU Classification

Create ERP categories like:

Reclaimed Wood

Recycled Steel

Salvaged Fixtures

Add tags: Age, Source, Material Type, Finish

✅ 3. Storage & Handling Standards

Reclaimed materials often have unique requirements (e.g., indoor storage, moisture protection)

Define warehouse zones and condition checklists

ERP Tip: Assign special storage rules to flagged items.

✅ 4. Sales & Documentation

Include stories or photos of reclaimed material origin

Provide documentation for LEED or ESG credit claims

Auto-attach historical usage summaries when quoting

✅ 5. Return & Restock Policy

Many reclaimed items are unique—returns may not be resellable

Set clear rules on handling and restocking fees

📊 Metrics to Track in ERP

KPIWhy It Matters

% of reclaimed SKUs soldShows customer demand

Certified vendor ratioEnsures quality sourcing

Inventory turnover by typeAvoids slow-moving reclaimed items

Revenue from LEED-aligned salesTies efforts to growth

🏁 Final Thoughts

Reclaimed and recycled materials add character, cut waste, and build trust. With clear policies—and smart ERP tools—you can manage them responsibly while meeting market demand.

📞 Want help building reclaimed materials into your operations strategy? Let’s design your policy together.

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